Feet Causing Knee Pain
Could Your Feet Be Behind Your Knee Pain?
Knee pain can be frustrating and disruptive, especially for runners and active individuals. While it’s easy to assume the issue lies solely in the knee, this isn’t always true. Surprisingly, your feet might be playing a significant role in causing or worsening your discomfort.
At SA Running Injury Clinic, we specialise in identifying and addressing biomechanical issues that lead to injuries. Understanding the connection between your feet and knees can help uncover solutions to eliminate pain and improve performance.
How Your Feet Impact Your Knees
Your feet are the foundation of every step you take. Therefore, any instability or misalignment in your feet can ripple upward, leading to strain on your knees.
For example:
- Flat Feet (Overpronation): When your feet roll inward excessively, your knees are pulled out of alignment. This misalignment often leads to pain over time.
- High Arches (Supination): High arches provide less natural shock absorption, which transfers extra force to the knees during activities like running or walking.
In addition, these foot conditions can alter your gait, leading to chronic issues if left untreated. However, recognising these problems early can help prevent knee pain from becoming long-term.
Why Runners Are Prone to Knee Pain
Running amplifies the forces passing through your legs. As a result, even small biomechanical imbalances can create significant issues. If your feet aren’t supporting your movement correctly, your knees may bear the brunt of the impact, increasing the risk of injury.
Common conditions include:
- Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain): Misalignment between your foot and knee can irritate the cartilage behind the kneecap.
- IT Band Syndrome: This condition, characterised by pain on the outer knee, can stem from improper foot alignment.
- Chronic Strain: Over time, knee joints subjected to repeated stress from poor foot function can wear down, increasing the risk of arthritis.
Solutions to Address the Root Cause of Knee Pain
At SA Running Injury Clinic, we take a holistic approach to knee pain, focusing on the entire kinetic chain. This ensures we address the underlying causes rather than just the symptoms.
Our solutions include:
- Gait Analysis: We use advanced techniques to evaluate how your feet and knees move during activity.
- Custom Orthotics: By supporting and realigning your feet, orthotics can reduce stress on your knees.
- Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises build muscle stability, improving overall biomechanics.
- Footwear Advice: Wearing the right running shoes is essential for long-term knee health.
Book Your Consultation Today
If knee pain is interfering with your running or daily life, don’t ignore it. At SA Running Injury Clinic, we’re here to help you find the root cause of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Learn more about our Gait Analysis Services.
Understanding the Biomechanics of Knee Pain
